Got vs. Gotten: What’s the Difference?

Both got and gotten come from the verb get, but they aren’t used the same way.

The difference mostly depends on where you live and what you mean.

Here’s the quick rule:

• Got → British English (and American English for simple possession).
• Gotten → American English (used for completed actions or changes in state).

1. Got: The British Standard

Meaning

In British English, got is used as both the past tense and the past participle of get.
It can mean possessed, received, or became.

Examples (10 total)

1. I got a new phone yesterday.
2. She’s got a lovely voice.
3. We got home late last night.
4. He got the job he wanted.
5. They’ve got two children.
6. I got tired after walking all day.
7. The cat got stuck in the tree.
8. She’s got everything she needs.
9. He got angry when he saw the mess.
10. I got your message this morning.

🧠 Tip:
In British English, got covers both the simple past and perfect tenses.

2. Gotten: The American Form

Meaning

In American English, gotten is the past participle of get (used with have/has/had).
It usually means acquired, become, or changed — not just possession.

Examples (10 total)

1. He’s gotten much better at playing guitar.
2. I’ve gotten a promotion at work.
3. She’s gotten used to living alone.
4. We’ve gotten plenty of feedback.
5. They’ve gotten lost on the way here.
6. It’s gotten colder since morning.
7. He’s gotten over his cold.
8. I’ve gotten stronger from exercise.
9. She’s gotten more confident recently.
10. We’ve gotten into trouble before.

🧠 Tip:
Use gotten when something has changed or been gained — not just owned.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 Got = standard in the U.K.
👉 Gotten = active or changing state in the U.S.

💡 Memory Trick:

If something has changed (like grown, become, improved), use gotten.
If it’s about having something, use got.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ I’ve got better at tennis. (Sounds British but a bit odd in American English.)
✅ I’ve gotten better at tennis.

❌ She’s gotten a car for years. (Incorrect — implies possession, not change.)
✅ She’s got a car for years.

6. Why It’s Confusing

Historically, English once used both got and gotten everywhere.
Over time, British English dropped gotten, while American English kept it.
Now, gotten survives mainly in the U.S., especially in phrases about change, progress, or receiving something.

AI language tools like Humanizey can automatically detect your audience and adjust forms like got/gotten to keep your writing consistent and natural.

FAQs

1. Is “gotten” wrong in British English?

It’s not wrong, but it sounds old-fashioned or American.

2. Can I say “have got” in American English?

Yes — it’s common when showing possession: I’ve got a car.

3. Is “gotten” more formal?

No — it’s just regional, not formal or informal.

4. What about idioms like “get going” or “get married”?

Both use got for the past: We got married last year.

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Got” or “Gotten”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. I’ve ___ used to waking up early.
2. She’s ___ a new bike.
3. He ___ angry when he heard the news.
4. It’s ___ much colder this week.
5. They’ve ___ into a big argument.
6. We’ve ___ two dogs at home.
7. He’s ___ over his fear of flying.
8. I ___ lost on my way to your house.
9. She’s ___ much taller since last year.
10. He’s ___ a great deal of experience.

Answers

1. gotten
2. got
3. got
4. gotten
5. gotten
6. got
7. gotten
8. got/gotten (both okay)
9. gotten
10. gotten